Valgren beats the big freeze at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

February 28 | In this episode of The Cycling Podcast, Richard Moore reports from a freezing cold Belgium and the opening Classics of the season, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

An extended package from Flanders captures the sounds of the cobbled classics as the season as the 'Beast from the East' gripped the region. We hear from Astana's Michael Valgren and his team-mate Magnus Kort Nielsen about the Valgren's victory and whether the reports of money troubles have affected team spirit.

Richard is joined by Lionel Birnie and Daniel Friebe to discuss Omloop, and whether the 'new' finish to the race – reprised from the Tour of Flanders finish of a few years ago covering Tenbosse, the Muur and the Bosberg – was all it was cracked up to be.

We also discuss the recent tours of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and ask whether the so-called 'desert swing' needs shaking up Hammer Series style.

The Cycling Podcast is supported by Rapha and Science In Sport.